Catharijnesingel Transformation in Utrecht
Wim Voogt from OKRA shared the story of Utrecht’s Catharijnesingel, a historic canal turned highway in the 1960s and now restored into a lively green-blue corridor. The project reconnects the city’s historic heart with modern districts, replacing asphalt with water, greenery, and pedestrian-friendly spaces. Highlights include continuous parkland, biodiversity-rich riverbanks, new bridges, and innovative underwater habitats for fish, including a “fish doorbell.” Wim also showcased inspiring coastal protection projects, demonstrating how landscape design can integrate ecology, resilience, and urban life.
This presentation formed part of the second Re-Value Expert Exchange on “Streets for Living”, showcasing how evidence-based policy, thoughtful street design, and systemic interventions can transform mobility culture in European cities. The Re-Value Expert Exchanges are online learning events organised by ICLEI Europe to inspire and build capacity as part of the EU-funded Re-Value project.
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